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Mountains & Fortresses of Southern Saudi Arabia (Eclipse Special)
Group Tour
Overview
From historic cities filled with coral-stone houses to rugged mountains and hidden heritage villages, southern Saudi Arabia offers a captivating blend of culture, dramatic landscapes and history. This unique journey takes us to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and along ancient trade routes while showcasing the warmth of local hospitality. The highlight comes in the heart of the Sarawat Mountains, where we will witness the rare spectacle of a total solar eclipse against a dramatic natural backdrop. ...
From historic cities filled with coral-stone houses to rugged mountains and hidden heritage villages, southern Saudi Arabia offers a captivating blend of culture, dramatic landscapes and history. This unique journey takes us to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and along ancient trade routes while showcasing the warmth of local hospitality. The highlight comes in the heart of the Sarawat Mountains, where we will witness the rare spectacle of a total solar eclipse against a dramatic natural backdrop.
Our adventure begins in Jeddah’s atmospheric Al Balad before heading into the hills of Ta’if to explore rose farms and bustling souk. Along the way we’ll discover the stone houses of Thee Ain, explore Shada Mountain and travel south through forested plateaux and heritage villages to Abha.
Here, highlights include the striking hillside village of Rijal Almaa, colourful Art Street and the dramatic hanging village of Al Habala.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience. This can obviously vary greatly across both countries and tours. On this particular trip we will be in comfortable hotels throughout. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Jeddah: Tour Starts in Jeddah
Day 1 Jeddah: Tour Starts in Jeddah
The tour begins this evening in Jeddah with those on the suggested group flights being met and transferred to the hotel in the city centre.
Day 2 Jeddah – Ta’if: Al Balad & Rose Farm
Day 2 Jeddah – Ta’if: Al Balad & Rose Farm
We will explore a little of Jeddah this morning with a visit to Al Balad, the historic quarter. Here we will find coral stone houses with traditional wooden roshan balconies, dating back centuries. Some are under renovation while others have been turned into museums. We will also pay a visit to the Tayebat Museum where a replica of a historical house contains an astounding collection of cultural Saudi artefacts displayed to give a glimpse of eras gone by. We then head up into the hills and the city of Ta’if, famous for its rose industry. We will stop in to see some of the rose products which are made in the area and enjoy the views of the landscape from a view point. Later in the day we will pay a visit to the souk where stall holders sell local honey, rose products and incense.
Day 3 Ta’if – Thee Ain – Baljurashi: Heritage Village
Day 3 Ta’if – Thee Ain – Baljurashi: Heritage Village
Switching to 4WDs, we head further into the mountains today, making a stop at the 16th century heritage village of Thee Ain. Located in a defensive position with views out over the surrounding farmland, the village was inhabited for hundreds of years, yet now lies empty and has been renovated and enlisted by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The polished stone houses cover the small peak and vary in size, some stretching over four floors. We will explore the intricate network of houses and learn about the lives of the former inhabitants before we drive on to the town of Baljurashi in the afternoon and check into our hotel.
Day 4 Baljurashi: Total Solar Eclipse
Day 4 Baljurashi: Total Solar Eclipse
We will visit one of the parks in the area to watch the solar eclipse today, from here we should have a good view over the area and an unobstructed view of the sky. The eclipse is due to start at 12:08 and end at 14:49 with approximately 5 minutes of totality. After the eclipse we will head to Shada Mountain, a rugged area of walking trails and scenic views. Here we will have lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the area on foot.
*Please note that the final viewing location for the eclipse may be changed depending on local conditions.
Day 5 Baljurashi – Namas – Tanomah – Asir Region: Arabic Culture & History
Day 5 Baljurashi – Namas – Tanomah – Asir Region: Arabic Culture & History
Journeying south to the Asir Region today we will make a stop in Namas in the Sarawat Mountains. At an average height of 2500m it is an area of dense forests and rocky plateaux and is home to a number of heritage villages featuring traditional stone and mud structures as well as forts. We will visit the Al Maqar Museum showcasing Arabic culture in the form of manuscripts and ancient artefacts as well as taking in the Asabilah Palaces, once residential properties for prominent families. It should be noted that the Al Maqar Museum, whilst undeniably being a stunning architectural masterpiece and exhibiting some incredible artefacts is currently in a rather rundown Fawlty Towers-esque condition. There are rumours that it may undergo a significant renovation at some time in the near future - possibly before the eclipse - but nothing is yet certain so please come with an open-mind to ensure you can fully appreciate the museum regardless of its eccentricities! We will then break the journey in Tanomah, a region rich in biodiversity and home to beautiful landscapes. Here we will take a walk in Alsharaf Park and visit some of the distinctive stone houses and minarets the area is known for before we arrive in to the Abha-Khamis Mushait area in the early evening. Please note that our base for the next 3 nights will be either in the provincial capital of Abha or its nearby - and larger neighbour - Khamis Mushait.
Driving time approx. 4.5 hours
Day 6 Asir Region: Rijal Almaa Heritage Village & City Tour
Day 6 Asir Region: Rijal Almaa Heritage Village & City Tour
This morning we will visit the architectural highlight of the village of Rijal Almaa. This stone village perched on the hillside is over 900 years old. It has served as a trade centre between Yemen and Medina, Mecca and the Levant for centuries; welcoming travellers passing through on the trade and pilgrimage routes. There are around 60 houses each built over several floors and a museum where we can learn about the ancient culture. En route to Rijal Almaa we'll also visit the striking Abu Sarrah Palaces, the largest in the region, which date back to the 1830s and serve as a bold testament to the south's historical wealth and importance. Returning to the Abha-Khamis Mushait area we will visit colourful Art Street and the Fatima Cultural Centre featuring the art of the region. We will end the day in the souk where local stall holders sell handicrafts and regional specialities.
Day 7 Asir Region: Al Habala Hanging Village & Ancient Rock Art
Day 7 Asir Region: Al Habala Hanging Village & Ancient Rock Art
With a full day to explore the Asir Region further we'll make for the village of Al Habala, built over 350 years ago, and which sits under a high cliff from where there are spectacular views out over the mountains. The village was built in a strategic position hidden in such a way that the villagers had to build terraces and use ropes to scale from one level to another. We will take the cable car to the village and explore the empty houses as well as admire the views from the large park. We will also get to see some incredible ancient rock art as well as the nearby village of Al Yanfa with its distinctive architecture, unique to this part of the country. Later we'll return to the Abha-Khamis Mushait area for our final evening and dinner in Saudi Arabia.
Day 8 Tour Ends in Abha-Khamis Mushait
Day 8 Tour Ends in Abha-Khamis Mushait
The tour ends this morning and those on the suggested group flights will be transferred to the airport for a (very early, albeit subject to change) return flight.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Centro Shaheen Jeddah by Rotana, Jeddah
Located in the heart of Jeddah on Al Madinah Road, Centro Shaheen Rotana features a modern, stylish design in line with the Centro by Rotana brand, combining sleek architecture with smart, efficient spaces that emphasise comfort and functionality. The hotel’s rooms are compact yet thoughtfully designed, offering comfortable bedding, modern bathrooms and practical workspaces. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities including a rooftop swimming pool and a well-equipped fitness centre. Dining options include an all-day restaurant serving international and local cuisine, as well as a casual café offering light bites and refreshments.
Awaliv International Hotel, Ta'if
The Awalif Hotel towers above Ta'if with views out over the city from the rooms. Each modern room is well-appointed with en suite bathroom and classic decor. Guests can enjoy the views while they dine as well with a revolving restaurant on the 29th floor and a café on the 30th floor. The health club features a sauna, gym and swimming pool.
National Park Hotel, Baljurashi
The National Park Hotel is a large, modern hotel set in the mountain town of Baljurashi. The hotel blends modern comfort with touches of traditional Saudi design, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for travelers seeking relaxation as well as adventure. Guests can choose from a variety of well-appointed rooms and suites, each designed with comfort in mind and equipped with modern amenities to ensure a pleasant stay. The hotel features facilities such as a fitness centre, spacious lounges and a restaurant serving both local and international cuisine, as well as a café serving light meals and refreshments.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Events
Total Solar Eclipse
On 2nd August 2027, North Africa and parts of the Middle East will witness a rare and spectacular total solar eclipse, with up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds of total darkness—making it the longest eclipse visible from land this century. As the moon completely covers the sun, daylight will turn to twilight, stars may become visible and the sun’s corona will glow in the sky. This dramatic celestial event will be visible across much of the region, with ideal viewing conditions expected due to the region’s typically dry summer climate.Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| QR 006 | London Heathrow (LHR) 08:25 | Doha International Airport (DOH) 17:10 |
| QR 1188 | Doha International Airport (DOH) 18:10 | Jeddah Intl Airport (JED) 21:05 |
| QR 1213 | Ahba Airport (AHB) 12:15 | Doha International Airport (DOH) 14:40 |
| QR 005 | Doha International Airport (DOH) 16:45 | London Heathrow (LHR) 22:00 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour, UK & US passport holders require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
UK passport holders can apply for a single entry Electronic Visa Waiver
US passport holders (and other nationalities) can obtain an e-visa.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
NB. It used to be the case that anyone with a passport showing evidence of having visited Israel (including having entered or left Jordan/Egypt from posts which are known to border Israel) might be denied a visa for Saudi Arabia but it seems that this is rarely, if ever, the case these days.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Saudi Arabia.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
In August, Jeddah is hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C. In contrast, the mountain regions of Al Baha and Asir enjoy much milder summer weather, with daytime highs around 22–30°C and cooler comfortable evenings. Although rare, rain is a possibility in the mountains during the summer.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Saudi society is going through some major changes at the moment so please bear in mind that any considerations raised here may alter at any time. Ultimately the Kingdom remains a deeply conservative country and is likely to be different from any other destination to which you may have travelled. In contrast to previous practices, there are no restrictions placed on adult women travelling solo and while it is expected that all foreign visitors will dress conservatively, women will not have to wear an abaya (the long black dress covering the body from shoulders to feet) and they will not have to cover their hair. Alcohol however is still currently forbidden and should not be brought into the country.
Tourism (other than for religious purposes) is a new concept for the Kingdom so come expecting enthusiastic but inexperienced levels of service. Its tourist infrastructure, while growing, is still minimal and its understanding of the experiences that western visitors are generally looking for remains limited especially as it currently receives considerably far fewer tourists than neighbouring countries like Oman and Jordan. As such Saudi Arabia is likely to remain a ‘challenging’ destination for a while to come, with a high likelihood of not everything going according to plan. However for us that is half the enjoyment of travelling, especially to newly opened-up and exciting destinations.
It’s also worth mentioning that sometimes sites can be closed for no foreseen reasons and without prior notice.
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note the weather in Jeddah will be hot and humid and even in the mountains we may experience high temperatures. The Asir region, where we spend 3 nights is at an altitude of over 2000m above sea level.
NEW TOURS
Never complacent, here at Wild Frontiers we are continually on the look-out for new tour ideas. Each year we aim to put on a selection of new tours in order to continually provide our clients with a fresh and varied choice of some of the best journeys on the planet. Although a lot of fun, these tours will often involve a greater element of unpredictability than our better-established tours, so please come prepared.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 6144 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.